air tightness

Indoor air quality and air infiltration were measured in 16 low-energy Californian houses. Eleven houses had gas stoves: all had average infiltration rates of 0.5 h to the -1 or less, recent construction dates, low natural ventilation, and no mechanical ventilation.

For optimum building design it is of importance to investigate the comfort and the energy conservation obtained with different types of ventilation systems and levels of airtightness of buildings. This could be achieved by aid of computer models based on full-scale and model measurements. In order to obtain experimental data as input data to such a computer model, an experimental, detached one-family house has been built near to Gothenburg on the Swedish west coast.

50 occupants of terraced houses, divided into 4 groups, were surveyed three times in October 1981, February 1983 and March 1983. The first group had Isolair air heating and ventilating systems, and were well insulated with double glazing. The second group was heated by radiators and had the same insulation as group 1. Groups 3 and 4 had normal insulation. Results of the surveys are given. The air heating and ventilating system did not provide the level of satisfaction hoped for. The group with the air heating and ventilating system was surveyed again in March 1984.

Measurements were made in the PIKO low-rise pilot building project to study air tightness, interior air quality, and air heating in 15-30 residences in various seasons. Exterior wall air tightness was measured in 70 units and repeated in 10.

In the weatherization of building structures to minimize convective heat loss, the air exchange rate is reduced. Pollutants of indoor origin are retained near the occupants. Further, outdoor pollutants may be concentrated indoors under partic

This survey describes how external walls and joints are constructed in practice. The paper gives you an opportunity to compare how successful the implementation of airtightness has been in Sweden in comparison with the results presented in the report D2:1983 "Air infiltration control ..." by A Elmroth and P Levin. The survey covers the majority of all Swedish prefabricated single family houses constructed in 1984. All big prefabrication companies are included in the survey.

This paper discusses the situation in the Netherlands with respect to air tightness of dwellings and reflects discussions about this in the Dutch Standard Committee on Air Tightness of Buildings. Results of measurements and calculations are given and the considerations of different groups in thediscussion are included. Finally an attempt is made to produce a model for the prediction of air flow rates, infiltration losses and seasonal gas consumption on the basis of air leakage measurements.

Negative pressure inside a building may create adverse or dangerous conditions. Discusses when make-up air is necessary, how need is determined, and how much make-up, with examples.

Complaints related to moisture problems in houses which had been air sealed, led to a study of indoor air quality in 20 weatherized demonstration homes in the Cambridge, Ontario area.